All our libraries and cafes are closed due to coronavirus. The return date for all loans has been changed to 30 June. The home page has further information and links to online services

Volunteer

We love our volunteers at Explore, and we know that without your support we cannot provide many of our additional services. We welcome volunteers from all of York’s communities, whether you want to gain some skills to get back into work, have a talent you would like to share, or just love libraries and archives. Our opportunities range from gardening to teaching coding – as well as the chance to get up close with books and archives – and there really is something for everyone!

If you volunteer for Explore, it’s a great opportunity to meet new people, develop new skills or share yours with others. It’s also been proven to improve well-being, so why not give it a go?

In return, we will provide you with training and feedback to help you carry out your role and to develop your skills, give you the opportunity to meet with others, and reimburse you for any travel that’s needed to get to your role.

We are committed to not using volunteers to replace our paid staff, but your support helps us grow new projects and enhances the work we do in our libraries and archives.

Explore is an equal opportunities employer and our volunteers will always we treated with respect and fairness in accordance with our equalities policy.

Current Volunteer roles

Summer Reading Challenge 2020

Research has shown that the Summer Reading Challenge can help children to maintain their reading levels over the summer holiday, as well as helping them develop their confidence and self-esteem. By helping us to deliver the challenge you will be helping children to develop a love of reading and, most importantly, have fun along the way. You will enable children to get more out of the challenge and help them to complete it and receive rewards and recognition.

Archives Support

We’re looking for passionate volunteers to support customers using the new archives and local history service, through orientation and answering simple questions like how to find a newspaper article or locate a map.

You’ll also monitor the local and family history spaces and maintain the security and preservation of the collections when they are in use.

Booksale organiser

Sales of old and duplicate books are held regularly, raising valuable income to buy new books. Sales normally take place over several days, including weekends, manned by volunteers with guidance and support from staff. This is a chance to gain experience interacting with customers and working as part of a team.

Cafe Volunteer

This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience, build confidence and meet people. It’s important to us that all our cafes have a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and are a clean and tidy space for everyone to enjoy.

Location:This opportunity is available at York, Acomb, Clifton, Haxby and Tang Hall

Event assistant

We have an exciting programme of events that attract high profile national and local authors and storytellers. We need your help to deliver these entertaining and informative sessions to adult audiences.

Home Library Service

We offer a home library service for those in our communities who love to read, but can no longer easily leave their home to hop to the nearest library to choose the books they want for themselves. As a Home Library Service volunteer you will choose and deliver books on a regular basis and help people continue to share the joy of reading.

Local Library Volunteer

This is an opportunity to gain practical all round experience of working in a small library. Our smaller libraries are managed by one member of staff so really need the support of volunteers to deliver their excellent standard of customer care and range of services.

Location : The role is available at Bishopthorpe, Copmanthorpe, Dringhouses, Dunnington, Fulford, Huntington, New Earswick, Poppleton, and Strensall Libraries.

Meet and Greet Volunteer

This is a chance to be the first point of contact for people, presenting a positive image of York Explore. You’ll signpost customers and visitors to wherever they need to be in the building, and help promote services and events.

Location: This role is available at all Explore Libraries & Archive locations

Shop Volunteer

The shop volunteer role offers you the opportunity to work as part of the team supporting the day to day running of Explore. You will gain experience of engaging with customers and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and increase your confidence and customer service skills.

FAQs

Volunteers should not be out of pocket as a result of volunteering for us. We’ll reimburse reasonable travel costs up to the value of a day travel ticket within City of York boundaries.

Do I need to supply references?

We like to take up two references for all roles and ask that you supply this information on the application form. They should be people you’ve had recent contact with like a current or recent employer, teacher, neighbour or family friend, but should not be a relative.

What skills and experience do I need?

Most roles just require time, energy and enthusiasm. Any additional skills will be set out in the role description. These might include, for example, previous IT experience.

What support and training will I be given?

You’ll be given all the necessary training and support you need to do your role. You’ll also be given an induction, be invited to the library to meet the staff and get to know the building, and will receive ongoing support as your role progresses.